Pentraeth War Memorial Poem

by Alix Warren
(Bull Bay, Amlwch)

On again towards Bangor, and past a couple of garden centres. As you start to climb up the hill into Pentraeth you'll come to the cross-roads.

You will be turning left here, but before you do you will have to park in the Panton Arms car park in order to look at the war memorial.

A pretty Celtic cross stands on the churchyard wall facing the Amlwch-bound traffic.

Nine service men, their names as Welsh as bara brith, are, as the inscription states, held there in endless remembrance, having died for the glory of God.

A new road to Amlwch has changed the face of the village. There is only a narrow pavement on which to stand and observe the Remembrance Day service.


CROSS ROADS

A road-side shrine,
snug in its well-clipped hedge,
its back to the churchyard,
its carved face open to the new road:

A white Celtic cross waits
on the corner of the cross roads.
Shining in its green alcove, grown up around.
Scrubbed clean above the traffic.

Watching, for the men to come marching home again.
Someone has thoughtfully left a pint of beer
between the poppy wreathes.
Cheers Taid.
Iechyd da.


†